{"id":127204,"date":"2024-09-27T07:28:42","date_gmt":"2024-09-27T11:28:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/?p=127204"},"modified":"2024-09-27T07:28:42","modified_gmt":"2024-09-27T11:28:42","slug":"darby-allin-aew-world-championship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/09\/27\/darby-allin-aew-world-championship\/","title":{"rendered":"Darby Allin: The Chase to the AEW World Championship"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3><strong>It Doesn&#8217;t Matter What Came Before<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/24QTLzdQXdw?si=zvACgCSkIczP85hB\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">From <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Darby Allin\u2019s<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> first appearance, fans were told to watch closely. That Darby is different from other wrestlers we have seen before.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">However, within a few matches, some of Darby\u2019s qualities and inspirations became clearer\u2014a recklessness to do things that would make <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Mick Foley<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> hesitate and feel uncomfortable. An underdog spirit like <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Rey Mysterio<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> forged in one of the most depressed and inequitable financial regions of America. An enigmatic alternative charisma beneath the face paint. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Reminiscent of other famous Seattle natives like the musicians <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jimi Hendrix<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> and <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Kurt Cobain<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">In his first match, Darby faced one of the company\u2019s founders and EVPs, <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Cody Rhodes<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. This relatively unknown wrestler, who was sleeping in his car, was signposted as special at <\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Fyter Fest 2019<\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">This scrawny runt would have been folded like an envelope and put in a pigeonhole at another time or place. If lucky, maybe Allin might have been a great cruiserweight. At worst, Allin might have taken beatings to make big Greek gods of men appear strong and special.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">This unknown took the former<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> WWE<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> superstar, a former <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">NWA <\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">World Heavyweight champion, and arguably the promotion\u2019s biggest attraction to a draw. This match showed fans a lot about AEW as a promotion. Its ethos and philosophy, as well as showing the company\u2019s possible future.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It started a legacy feud with the American Nightmare. A feud that would take Darby Allin to the next level. Both the structure and success of this series seem relevant to what happened at <\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Grand Slam<\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> and what could happen next.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>I Felt Pain and I Wanted More<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/mFhKYCSHqZA?si=rOEI9m0qyqFT6CQT\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Not long afterward, on the eighth edition of <\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Dynamite<\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, another legacy feud began. Darby Allin took on <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jon Moxley<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. With only two wins and an impressive street fight loss to <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Chris Jericho<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> for the AEW World Championship, an upset wasn\u2019t likely. Yet a David vs. Goliath story, featuring a body bag, presented Darby as more than a tomato can despite taking a beating.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">In trying to re-engage and attune the fanbase to the idea of coherent long-term storytelling and character arcs with growth, it worked. We as AEW fans were conditioned and prepared for Darby\u2019s ascension. Mox showed Darby respect. A bond was formed that has been revisited over the years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Taking a beating and absorbing pain was not the only way Darby got <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">over<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. Coffin drops on the ring apron, through cracker barrels, dives off the staging, or being tossed down concrete stairs looked and surely felt brutal. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The hurt helped build a parasocial bond between fans and the daredevil. Yet, what separated Mick Foley and <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Terry Funk<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> from other purveyors of hardcore or deathmatch weekend wrestlers is what they did before and after those spots<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. In<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> the spaces between moves.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Through his body language, <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">emotive<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> responses, shouts, and reactions, Darby knows how to sell the hurt. Take the beating and somehow feed off it to fire back up. Rally the crowd and himself. And like the best of babyfaces, use both intelligence and skill to compensate. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Using his belt to tie up <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Brian Cage\u2019s<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> legs showed resourcefulness. Using the skateboard, even his face stamped with spikes as weapons shows a ruthlessness and a take-no-crap attitude that some fighting babyfaces have lacked. It\u2019s the size of the fight in the dog.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>I&#8217;m Not Settled Until I&#8217;ve Done It All and Right<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Darby wasn\u2019t ready.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">After nearly a year and a half of failure, <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Darby Allin<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> progressed. First, turning down the invitation of coaching from<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Taz<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, prompted a long-running feud that built Darby as more than just an underdog.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">As mentioned, intelligence was used to outwit and beat Brian Cage. Against <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Ricky Starks<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, Darby outwrestled the other up-and-comer. Then a partnership, not a mentorship as Darby would later make clear, with <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Sting<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Throughout The Icons run, Darby was an equal. Learning alongside Sting helped Darby progress. The former surfer helped Allin ride the wave of momentum<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">All<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> the way<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> to <\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Full Gear 2020<\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">In their fourth encounter, Darby finally beat Cody. Darby won the TNT Championship. Fans were primed and ready. Cody built the TNT Championship into the workhorse championship. A belt that Darby was not only now <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">ready<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> to take but one fan believed he deserved.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It took Darby four attempts. Three failures. Each time <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">so<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> close with Darby recovering and only becoming better. But the last match and the title victory count the most.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It felt right. It felt like Darby was ready for the responsibility in the mid-card.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>I Split my Head Open Again Last Night<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Yesterday, when I previewed <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">AEW\u2019s<\/span><\/strong> <em><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/09\/25\/preview-aew-dynamite-9-25-24\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Grand Slam<\/span><\/a><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, I posed several rhetorical questions with the first draft of this article already written. With the number one contendership for the AEW World Championship on the line and the chance to headline <\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">WrestleDream<\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> in his hometown, can Darby Allin win?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">No. I and many others already knew the answer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Allin technically faced Moxley four times. In all those previous contests, Moxley had beaten Darby 3-0 in AEW. That first match was on the indies, as Darby said, in a high-school gym. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Honestly, despite being a big Darby Allin fan and despite how it feels like Darby\u2019s time is nearly here\u2026 It was not going to be his night.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Darby isn\u2019t ready despite being the man who brought Team AEW victory at <\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Blood and Guts<\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. The loss to <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jack Perry<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> at <\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">All In<\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, rushed or not, felt like a hint<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Even<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> with its finish <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">showing<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> a restrained Darby defiant until the end.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It goes beyond the symmetry of Darby\u2019s ascension with overcoming Cody Rhodes. Moxley has returned with a new zest. There is a bigger story brewing. The Death Rider has been the <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/04\/16\/jon-moxley-more-than-the-greatest-transitional-champion-of-modern-wrestling\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">greatest transitional champion<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> who repeatedly delivered the security needed when AEW <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">has gone through<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> a paradigm shift.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Marina Shafir<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> distracted Darby, thus allowing Moxley the tainted win\u2014something Mox never needed before. In doing so, it foreshadows the future of the AEW World Championship. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Something<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> we have seen from AEW this year with <\/span><strong><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/03\/06\/imminent-aew-world-championship-reign-swerve-strickland\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Swerve Strickland<\/span><\/a><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> and then was <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/04\/22\/elevating-the-risks-and-rewards-of-aew-pushing-will-ospreay-to-the-sky\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">subverted with <\/span><\/a><strong><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/04\/22\/elevating-the-risks-and-rewards-of-aew-pushing-will-ospreay-to-the-sky\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Will Ospreay<\/span><\/a><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Darby Allin will be the world champion. Just not yet. Not until that fourth match, perhaps?<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>This Is Not Your Company Anymore<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Already this year, AEW attempted another huge company-changing storyline with <\/span><strong><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/04\/25\/the-corporate-elite-is-the-aew-faction-whats-best-for-business\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The (Corporate) Elite<\/span><\/a><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> trying to save AEW from itself. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">This is not the first time this device for the <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/06\/09\/aews-polarising-present-wrestling-nirvana-potholed-creative\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">artificial battle for AEW\u2019s heart and soul<\/span><\/a> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">has been used<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Think <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The Blackpool Combat Club<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> vs. The Elite in 2023.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Although my optimism for The Elite vs. AEW turned to disappointment due to its large gaps in logic and lack of stakes, I\u2019m excited to see where this development goes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jon Moxley looks engaged for the first time since his International Championship feud with <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Orange Cassidy<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. This is a fresh and more detailed character. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The change of direction for <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Blackpool Combat Club<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> could address a larger issue with the supergroup\u2019s infrequent and malleable presentation. <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">PAC\u2019s<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> brooding \u201cbastard\u201d persona has never felt more dangerous.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Compared to the tongue-in-cheek borderline <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">WWE <\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">parody of authority figures by The Elite, this grittier path of violence feels more direct in addressing the criticism aimed at the company criticism. By making the issues <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">feel<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> personal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">However, there are still plenty of overlap and similarities between the two stories. Some are worrying. Again, a group saying AEW is broken. Intended or not, it connects to real perceptions of the current product. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">I\u2019ve written <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/06\/17\/aews-polarising-present-aew-is-under-attack\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">elsewhere<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> about how an issue of admittance and acknowledging criticism has only made critics seem right. Both offer a reinvention a disguised solution, if the locker room <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">just<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> does what they say.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Both offer an obstacle for babyfaces collectively and individually to overcome. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">And more<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> importantly, <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">and<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> something some critics seem <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">to selectively overlook<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> A<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> story as a vehicle to try and elevate specific talent. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The Elite takeover aimed to put over <\/span><strong><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/03\/22\/kazuchika-okada-winning-the-aew-continental-championship\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Kazuchika Okada<\/span><\/a><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> and <\/span><strong><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/03\/04\/jack-perry-aew-scapegoat\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jack Perry<\/span><\/a><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> as characters.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>I Fell <\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Compared to the other day one AEW youngsters like <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Kip Sabian<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, or fellow pillars like <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Sammy Guevarra<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> and Jack Perry, Allin\u2019s intangibles go beyond performing moves. Darby\u2019s in-ring style is carelessly intelligent. His insane psychology is underpinned by an amateur free-style wrestling background.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">On the other hand, even in AEW, the face of the company needs to be able to hold his own on the microphone. Not just through art-house vignettes in black and white that Allin filmed himself. Not just through the physical theatre.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Darby has grown as a promo guy. With time, Darby\u2019s confidence in delivering cutting jabs and zingers has progressed in controlled bursts. Although a year ago the build to <\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Double or Nothing<\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, rather than the main event match itself, demonstrated the <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/06\/09\/aews-polarising-present-wrestling-nirvana-potholed-creative\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">potholed road that leads to wrestling nirvana<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. What\u2019s become a feature rather than a bug of AEW?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Along with Perry and Guevara, Allin\u2019s weaknesses and limitations on the microphone were exposed before, during, and after <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2023\/12\/26\/aew-tournament-2023\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">the four pillars tournament<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. Darby was a far second to <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">MJF<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> on the microphone and <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">at times<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> appeared heelish disrespecting Jack Perry<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Rather<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> than a justified babyface as Allin did this year in the build-to <\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">All In<\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">No one then was on the level of the devil. Darby was a distant second.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">In<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">the<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">time since<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, Allin has grown in confidence and consistency on the stick.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Even with the artificial language associated with AEW\u2019s battle for its heart and soul, Allin tore through the BS of Moxley\u2019s agenda before <\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Grand<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Slam<\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. Closer to being the new conscience of AEW.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The Money is in the Chase<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Some of AEW\u2019s greatest successes have come in the chase. When the babyface\u2019s journey to the championship is clear, something within the challenger must change. In the first character arc of <\/span><strong><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/08\/05\/aews-hangman-adam-page-and-mental-health-imposter-syndrome\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u201cHangman\u201d Adam Page connected to real-world issues of anxiety and imposter syndrome<\/span><\/a><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">This year Swerve Strickland before becoming world champion shifted alignment to avoid Page\u2019s mistakes as the world champion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Darby\u2019s character and story are in many ways more traditional to the wrestling narrative of the underdog. One similarity in some regards with the current AEW World Champion, <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Bryan Danielson<\/span><\/strong> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">in<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> having to fight from underneath to be taken seriously. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Although some development, some change, even minor, might be needed to convince everyone that Allin deserves the company\u2019s most prestigious championship.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The match between Danielson and Darby was mine and many others <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/08\/28\/5-men-bryan-danielson-should-face-before-retirement-in-aew\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">number-one dream match for this year<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. And yet, I\u2019m happy if this match doesn\u2019t happen. Instead, it could happen years <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">down the line<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> if\/when Danielson is in (hopefully and healthy) semi-retirement. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Both are unwavering faces in AEW this year. One becoming a situational heel does not feel right. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Especially<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> given the stakes of Danielson\u2019s career and Darby in many ways being Danielson\u2019s successor. It would be risky.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Danielson vs. Mox, while not one of <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/08\/28\/dream-matches-revisited-5-men-aews-bryan-danielson-must-wrestle-again\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">the rematches I initially wanted\/predicted<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, is a strong story. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Made<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> undeniably compelling after <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/09\/12\/aew-violent-storytelling-and-its-disturbing-splendor\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">the violent <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">splendour<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> of <\/span><\/a><em><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/09\/12\/aew-violent-storytelling-and-its-disturbing-splendor\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">All Out<\/span><\/a><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> and the plastic bag spot. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Their history in AEW <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">founding<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> the BCC is logical and personal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">While Danielson could pass the torch to Darby or another young heel wrestler, it seems cleaner to have Mox stoke the flames and<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">make it bigger.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>You Light a Match, Now Watch it Burn<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/KRlFTqSXUJQ?si=IuKM_SUCiZB-wqxS\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Set Mox as the big bad. When predicting the next <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/09\/18\/next-2-champions-for-each-aew-title\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">two AEW champions for each title,<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> I wrote how someone needs to step up to beat the monster. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It places Darby, like Sting, as the <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">defender of<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">the<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> company<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> The<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> man to tear through the BCC.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Imagine the roadblocks and big matches and opponents Allin will have to beat to get to Mox. PAC. Claudio. Other roster members who take their side. The potential bangers and moments slowly add armor to a potential world champion\u2019s presence.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">There\u2019s a pattern with Darby\u2019s history, the same as there is a pattern <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">that<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> \u201cHangman\u201d Page currently finds himself as <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/08\/07\/aews-hangman-adam-page-and-mental-health-relapse\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">he relapses<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> If repeated and a fourth match is built up, with the stakes being the AEW World Championship, Darby with the right build and <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">right<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> steps will be undeniably ready.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Although Darby might have been doing media appearances and promotion for AEW, it seems like Darby is representing the company in front of bigger media platforms, like <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Busted Open<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. Allin sounds comfortable. Prepared.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The fuse is set. It\u2019s ready to be lit and Darby Allin seems poised to walk through fire to become the champion.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>More From LWOS Pro Wrestling<\/h3>\n<p><em>Header photo \u2013 AEW \u2013 Stay tun<\/em><em>ed to the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"1\" target=\"_self\">Last Word on Pro Wrestling<\/a>\u00a0for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world. As well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world.\u00a0 You can catch AEW Dynamite on Wednesday nights at 8 PM ET on TBS. AEW Rampage airs on TNT at 10 PM EST every Friday night. AEW Collision airs Saturday at 8pm Eastern on TNT. More AEW content available on their\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@AEW\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">YouTube<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It Doesn&#8217;t Matter What Came Before From Darby Allin\u2019s first appearance, fans were told to watch closely. That Darby is different from other wrestlers we have seen before. However, within a few matches, some of Darby\u2019s qualities and inspirations became clearer\u2014a recklessness to do things that would make Mick Foley hesitate and feel uncomfortable. An [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4960,"featured_media":127221,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4677,6,2192],"tags":[8332,1634,491,4395],"class_list":["post-127204","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-aew","category-north-america","category-wrestling","tag-blackpool-combat-club","tag-bryan-danielson","tag-darby-allin","tag-jon-moxley"],"modified_by":"Michael Joseph Sugue, Manager","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/127204","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4960"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=127204"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/127204\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/127221"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=127204"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=127204"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=127204"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}